As Chris Brown gets ready to drop what could presumably be his final studio album (his words, not ours), we can’t help but recall what his image was like when he first burst on the scene in 2005. The uncannily talented teen wowed us with his amazing vocals and slick dance moves, poised to be one of the greatest performers of his time.

Even with edgy lyrics that charmed young girls everywhere, the singer maintained a relatively sweet persona that made him hip hop and R&B’s boy next door. He boyishly sported backpacks, made lighthearted public appearances, and even played a lovable brainiac in a guest role on The O.C.

Chris Brown is nothing if not great at stirring controversy. Today on twitter he posted two tweets that suggest he’s quitting music after his next album, X, is released which caused a flurry of speculation that he’s quitting music. But is he really retiring? Or fishing for compliments???